EXPLORING THE MONTE CUCCO REGIONAL PARK
Technical Info: Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 300 m; Distance: 8 km.

The Monte Cucco Regional Park is a stunning natural heritage area, home to numerous habitats protected under the Natura 2000 network. Dramatic gorges, limestone cliffs, meadows, and beech forests with yews and hollies will frame this scenic loop hike.

Starting from the meadows of Pian delle Macinare, we will walk along the Sentiero Italia 225, exploring Monte Cucco’s enchanting woods. Descending along the northeastern slope, we will follow the Rio Freddo, one of the most significant gorges in the Umbrian-Marche Apennines.

The route will then lead to the Val di Ranco, continuing along a picturesque trail that passes through the “Mother of Beeches”, a centuries-old forest with majestic trees forming a magical, fairy-tale-like environment.

Hiking here feels like stepping into an almost mystical world, with unique natural scenery illuminated by light and shadow filtering through the dense foliage of the towering trees. The park is also famous for its subterranean rivers, pristine watercourses, ancient beech forests, and karst caves. Visitors can explore the underground system, with over 30 km of tunnels and a maximum depth of nearly 100 m, or take to the skies, as Monte Cucco is one of Europe’s most renowned paragliding sites.

• Return to the facility, debrief, and dinner.

BETWEEN SCENIC VIEWS AND OPEN BORDERS: VALSORDA – MONTE MAGGIO – MONTE NERO
Technical Info: Difficulty: E; Elevation gain: 450 m; Distance: 9 km.

Valsorda, nestled between Monte Serrasanta and Monte Maggio and crossed by the Sentiero Italia, is one of the most notable locations in the Gualdo Tadino mountains.

This area, part of the Apennine ridge marking the regional border between Umbria and Marche, offers a 9 km circular route that alternates between beech forests and mixed broadleaf woodlands. The trail involves a series of ascents and descents, reaching the summit meadows for breathtaking panoramic views.

This scenic route provides sweeping vistas of some of Umbria and Marche’s most prominent peaks, including Monte Subasio, Monte Cucco, Monte Maggio, Monte Nero, Monte Nerone, Catria, and Monte Amiata. On clear days, the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic Sea are also visible.

A trek rich in history, art, and natural wonders, this excursion serves as an ideal first step for budding hikers.

• Return to the facility, debrief, and dinner.

PUTTING OURSELVES TO THE TEST

• A quiz on the topics covered during the course, followed by a practical test: learning to organize and prepare a backpack for different types of excursions.
• Lunch at the facility.
• Distribution of participation certificates and farewells.

Happy trails to all! See you on the paths!
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